Imagine knowing
what you would like to say, but not being able to say it? Thanks to
augmentative and alternative (AAC) devices, many children and adults with
communication disorders are finding their voices.
While the
earliest examples of AAC devices date back to the middle of the twentieth
century with inventions such as the POSM (patient operated selector
mechanism), a “sip-and-puff typewriter controller” in 1960 and the “Comhandi, an electronic letter board” a few
years later, twenty-first century technology has taken AAC to an entirely new
level. Today, individuals who are non-verbal
or unable to speak clearly due to autism, deafness, developmental disabilities,
cerebral palsy, strokes, vocal and swallowing disorders have many options for
self-expression.
When choosing a
communication device, it’s essential to take the user’s individual needs into
account. Not every communicator is appropriate for every person. If you’re
unsure what kind of device to purchase, consult with a therapist, special
educator or reach out to the folks at Enabling
Devices. We’ll be happy
to point you in the right direction.
Enabling
Devices offers a range of communication devices and we are confident that one
or more of these communicators will meet the needs of your student or family
member. Here is just a sampling of our most popular communicators.
For the beginner
Is basic
communication what you’re after? These one and two message communicators are
easy to use. Record songs, jokes and greetings. Use them at home, work, to
start a conversation, or to order at a restaurant. Learn to activate one or two
messages, then move up to three, four or six!
This basic
communicator records one 20-second message. Big Talks come in five colors and
also act as a switch that can activate another device.
This basic
communicator records two messages of 20 seconds each. Includes built-in holder
to display a word, picture or icon. Also available as Talkable III (records
three messages) and Talkable IV (records four messages) and Talkable IV with 12
levels. Each level has room for four 6-second messages.
For the visually
impaired
Bright lights
and colors, high contrast, and easy to recognize textures make our
communicators for the visually impaired easy to use.
Our Talkable II for the visually
impaired is purposely designed with two different colored switches, each
outlined in black, to make finding and activating the device’s switch easy to
locate. The Talkable II features 20
seconds total recording time. Users can record one or two messages. This
communicator is also a good choice for users who have difficulty with fine
motor control.
This communicator’s bright red and
yellow switches make it easy for visually impaired users to find and select
their pre-recorded messages. With six levels, the Cheap Talk 6 provides up to
225 seconds of recording time.
This communicator is a great choice for
those new to communication devices or who prefer using touch to select the
device’s pre-recorded messages. The Totally Tactile Communicator offers six
levels and 300 seconds of recording time.
For those on the go
Wearable tech
is all the rage, so why be weighed down by a large or bulky device?
This single-message communicator looks
like a wristwatch and allows the user to record a 10 second greeting.
This totally portable communicator, worn
around the waist includes 300 seconds of recording time, auditory cueing and
fantastic sound quality. Enabling Devices also sells two similar devices: the
Hip Talk 12 with levels #5013, which enables the user to record 60 five-second
messages and the Hip Talk #5004, which allows the user to record 4 five-second
messages.
A more portable
version of our popular Big Talk, the small talk includes a special holder that
displays an icon, word or photo.
This powerful communication device gives
users access to 12 recording levels and 300 seconds of recording time. The Talk
4 offers single jack automatic scanning with LED illumination and three
scanning speeds. Weighing less than one pound and equipped with an adjustable
carrying strap, this communicator is both functional and portable!
For fun and learning
These communicators will help children
to express themselves while they play.
Lego
Communicators #1049D and #1049L Who doesn’t love Lego? This one message
communicator will motivate children to learn language while inspiring
creativity.
Talking
Bubble with Lights and Vibration #2230 This four-message recorder/player helps
its user to communicate while also providing visual
and tactile sensory experiences.
Brand new!
Hot off the press, our new Language
Facilitator #5310 promotes
functional communication. Mirror, mirror … This two switch communicator helps
users learn to speak by recording and playing back their utterances. At the
same time, the Language Facilitator’s attached mirror provides users with an
opportunity to see how their mouths move when making particular sounds.
iPads for communicating
When considering AAC devices, don’t
overlook the communication opportunities afforded by iPad technology. According
to Andrew Leibs, writing for About Tech,
“Apps on
portable devices such as the iPad, can help non-verbal children to communicate basic needs.
Intuitive apps that employ colorful images and sounds can also hold a child's
attention long enough to learn and offer effective tools to build vocabulary
and reinforce word knowledge.”
Enabling Devices’ iPad Wireless Switches #1164 and #1167 provide access to hundreds of compatible
apps available on your Bluetooth-equipped iPad, iPhone or Android device. Both
switches have internal interfaces, so there’s no need for wires.
Enabling Devices offers a
Tabletop system #1589, which includes a mounting platform, designed for easy
access to all of the iPad’s electronic ports and a removable tabletop base to
hold your iPad at just the right angle.
The Mounting System #1556
includes a mounting platform, an expandable light duty arm and a clamp with
which you can mount the system to a wheelchair or tabletop. The iPad Mounting
Platform #1566 can also be purchased separately.
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